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Data Sheet

labBGN (Code 6486)ACQUAlab (8+2)-channel Back-ground Noise Hardware Platform

Overview

HEAD acoustics developed numerous background noise simulation sys-tems for testing telecommunication equipment under realistic conditions. labBGN is the dedicated ACQUAlab generation hardware platform for these systems serving as an audio distribution interface.

labBGN distributes up to 10 output channels to amplifiers for background noise playback. Various other in- and outputs allow to receive, record and play back audio signals. labBGN also offers a HEADlink connector for direct connection to supported HEAD acous-tics devices.

The pulse channel of labBGN allows automated triggering of playback to ensure repeatability of test runs under the exact same conditions.

Ebertstraße 30a52134 Herzogenrath, GermanyTel.: +49 2407 577-0Fax: +49 2407 577-99Email: telecom@head-acoustics.deWeb: www.head-acoustics.com

Applications

• Fully repeatable testing of telecom-munication and other devices in the presence of background noise

Key Features

• Audio distribution hardware inter-face for all HEAD acoustics back-ground noise simulation systems

• Supports up to 10 analog output channels

• Various digital inputs for recording

• HEADlink for direct connection to other HEAD acoustics devices

• Automatic playback triggering via pulse channel

– 3PASS lab (Code 6990), Advanced background noise simula-tion system with automated equaliza-tion - lab version

or – 3PASS flex (Code 6995), Advanced background noise simula-tion system with automated equaliza-tion - flex version

DescriptionBackground noise has a major influ-ence on voice transmission quality of telecommunication devices and systems. For conclusive testing under laboratory conditions, HEAD acoustics offers various background noise simulation systems for application in labs and vehicles:

• HAE-BGN

• HAE-car

• 3PASS lab (with and without 3PASS reverb)

• 3PASS flex (with and without 3PASS reverb)

For recording background noise scenarios, equalizing the test environment's loud-speaker setup as well as for playback itself, a powerful and versatile hardware interface is required. To work with the systems listed above, HEAD acoustics developed the ACQUAlab generation hardware platform labBGN. It connects to the PC running the software part of the system – usually the ACQUA-PC or a dedicated PC – via USB.

labBGN supports up to 10 loudspeakers through 8+2 analog outputs for connec-tion to external amplifiers. The hardware interface also offers digital inputs in connection types such as ADAT, AES and general purpose inputs for custom appli-cation. All inputs are accompanied by an equal number of digital outputs of the same respective connection type. Moni-toring playback is possible through front-sided 6.35 mm headphone output.

labBGN also offers a HEADlink connector for uncomplicated connection to supported HEAD acoustics devices like the Microphone Surround Arrays MSA I or MSA II for recording and equalization. For custom microphone setups (e.g. in-vehicle hands-free systems with distributed micro-phones), labBGN can also connected to the mobile 8-channel recording & playback front-ends SQuadriga II or SQuadriga III via HEADlink.

For full repeatability of testing, playback of background noise must be perfectly synchronized with the measurement. labBGN offers a dedicated pulse input that connects to labCORE (see exemplary setups on last page) to trigger playback of background noise in perfect sync with each measurement.

General RequirementsSoftware

• One of the following HEAD acoustics background noise simulation systems (plus necessary components) – HAE-car (Code 6970), Background noise simulation system with semi-automated equalization for car cabins

or – HAE-BGN (Code 6971), Background noise simulation system with semi-automated equalization for labs

or

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Overview of labBGN connectors

Front

The RJ45 connector (PC) and USB Type-A connectors (Host) currently are only for internal use. The USB Type-A connectors (Host) can be used for charging / powering USB devices.

Rear

Power button

• Boots up / shuts down labBGN

• Indicates current system status via LED color

6.35mm headphone jack

• Allows monitoring of played back background noise

• Indicates output level via LED color

ADAT In / Output

• Allow receiving / sending digital multichannel audio via TOSLINK interfaces

Channel level indicators

• Indicates signal levels for up to 10 input / output channels via colored LED bars

Analog outputs 1...10

• Analog Out Channel 1...8: – Main analog outputs for connec-tion to amplifiers

– TASCAM-compatible

• Analog Out Channel 9...10: – Supplementary XLR outputs for connection to amplifiers

– Can be used for adding 1 or 2 subwoofer(s) or loudspeaker(s) to the setup

Digital audio in / outputs

• Offers 10 general-purpose digital input / output channels: – 2 × general-purpose in / output – 4 × general-purpose input – 4 × general-purpose output

AES / Pulse interface

• Offers automated triggering of background noise playback via pulse input

• Supplementary digital AES input / output via XLR

USB main connector

• Connects labBGN to the PC running background noise simula-tion software

HEADlink interface

• Allows direct connection to other HEAD acoustics hardware: – MSA I – MSA II – SQuadriga II – SQuadriga III

Power connector

• Delivery of power by included external PSU via 4-pin LEMO connector

Included cables

• USB cable for connection to PC

• Breakout cable for Analog Out Channel 1...8 (TASCAM-compatible)

• Breakout cable for digital AES input / output and pulse channel

• BNC extension cable for pulse connection to labCORE

• XLR cable for AES input

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labCORE

USB

labBGN

USB

CUU I

Ethernet

RF

AES/EBU

DSB IV

Pulse

USB

AES/EBU

PSB III

1 2 3 4 9 10

Right

Right

Subwoofer

Left

Left

Front

Rear

1 23 4

9 10

1

2 3

4

5 67 8

5

67

8

910

USB

HMS II.3

Ethernetor

Analog

USB

labCORE

RF

CUU I

Pulse

labBGN

DUT

Exemplary applications of labBGN

Exemplary setup for background noise simulation in a test room with HAE-BGN and labBGN according to ETSI Standard ES 202 396-1. HAE-BGN utilizes its maximum of 4 loudspeaker channels plus 2 subwoofer

Exemplary setup for background noise simulation in a car with 3PASS flex and labBGN according to Recommendation ITU-T P.1100.To achieve a realistic background noise simulation for the vehicle’s multi-microphone setup, 3PASS flex uses all 10 channels of labBGN for 8 loudspeakers plus a 2-channel subwoofer.Playback is triggered directly by labCORE.

channels through labBGN. Playback is triggered via the Pulse Splitter Box PSB III and the external Digital Sound Board DSB IV.

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Technical Data

General

Operation Remote control via background noise simulation software from HEAD acoustics

System check Automatic hardware check at boot up

GND connection < 0.05 Ω (for all Inputs/Outputs)

Inputs / Outputs front

Input(s) Output(s) Connector type(s) Comment

Headphones - 1 ×6.35 mm

headphone jack-

ADAT 1 × 1 × TOSLINK -

Inputs / Outputs rear

Analog outputs 1...8 - 8 × D-Sub 25-pin femaleTASCAM-compatible,

breakout cable to 8 × XLR male is included

Analog outputs 9...10 - 2 × XLR male -

Digital audio4 × 4 ×

D-Sub 25-pin femaleRequires custom-

made breakout cable2 × I / O

AES 1 × 1 ×D-Sub 15-pin female

Breakout cable is included:

XLR male (AES Out), XLR female (AES In)

2 × BNC male (Pulse In/Out)Pulse 1 × 1 ×

USB (In) 1 × USB Type-BMain USB connection, USB cable is included

USB (Host) 2 × USB Type-AFor internal use only

(or for USB charging / powering)

HEADlink 1 × 8-pin LEMO female -

Power 1 × -4-pin LEMO

hermaphroditicExternal PSU is

included

Environmental conditions

Operating temperature range 0° C – 50° C; 32° F – 122° F

Storage temperature range -20° C – 70° C; -4° F – 158° F

Air humidity 20 % – 80 % (non-condensing environment)

Other

Power supply adapter 100 V – 240 V AC → 24 V DC, 60 W

Power consumption Typ. 15 W

Dimensions (W x H x D) 327 x 44 x 175 mm

Weight Approx. 1.4 kg

Options• RMB IV.3 (Code 9852.1), 19” rack

mount bracket for labBGN, MFE VIII.1 (2 pcs.)

Delivery Items• labBGN (Code 6486), ACQUAlab

(8+2 Channel) background noise hardware platform

• Power supply, external, 100-240 V AC → 24 V DC, 60 W

• PCC I.9x (Code 997x), Power cable (to local specification)

• CDM V (Code 1637), Cable D-Sub 15-pin → 2x XLR (AES/EBU in/out) + 2x BNC (Pulse in/out)

• Breakout Cable, D-Sub 25-pin → 8 × XLR male, TASCAM compatible, 1.5 m

• 1× CBA II (Code 1640), Cable adapter BNC ↔ BNC for connection labBGN ↔ MFE (for pulse trigger)

• 1× CUSB II.1.5 (Code 5478-1.5), USB 2.0 cable, type B ↔ type A, with ferrite, 1.5 m

• 1x CXX II.3 (Code 5177-3),

• Cable AES / EBU XLR male 3-pin ↔ XLR female 3-pin, 2.95 m

• Carrying case

• Manual (hardcopy)